AmericanAirlines Arena
Dec 13 - 16, 2018
Ho! Ho! Ho! Stringing our lights around the palm trees and Santa is getting ready to surf!
Christmas in Miami is about enjoying the sunshine and gorgeous breezy weather!
And to get into the spirit, our regular events are back with plenty of lights, shiny ornaments and holiday cheer.
As in all public holidays, government offices, schools, post offices, banks and public libraries will close on Christmas Day. Many restaurants remain open and offer special celebratory meals, brunches, dinners, cocktails...
And this is the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and gorgeous "winter" weather. Migrating birds and hybernating manatees have arrived, this is a good time for a visit to the Everglades, enjoy the beautiful wildlife or a thrilling airboat ride! Please note that some parks will be closed on Christmas Day.
Here are this year's most popular Christmas and Holiday Season events and celebrations in Miami:
Christmas Festivals, Fairs, Parades, Tree Lightings...
- Santa's Enchanted Forest - November 1, 2018 to January 6, 2019
- Christmas Tree Lighting at Bayfront Park - November 23, 2018
- Pembroke Pines Snowfest - December 1st, 2018
- Annual Magical Snowfall at Dolphin Mall - November 21 - January 6, 2019
- NightGarden Magical Light Spectacular at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens - November 23 - January 6, 2019
- Miami Lantern Light Festival - November 30, 2018 - January 20, 2019
- New World Symphony Wallcast Concert: Sounds of the Season - December 15, 2018
- Ft. Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade - December 15, 2018
- Miami Outboard Club Holiday Boat Parade at Bayfront Park - December 15, 2018
- Gingerbread House Workshops - December 15 and 23, 2018
- Christmas With The Chimps At Lion Country Safari - December 20, 2018
- Santa On The Beach at Ft. Lauderdale Beach - TBA
- Zoo Lights and Gifts for the Animals at Zoo Miami - Nov 23 - Dec 29, 2018
- Winterland at the Farm - December 16 - January 7, 2019
And in the Holiday Entertainment Calendar
- Santa's Enchanted Workshop - December 4, 2018 at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
- The Wizard of Oz - December 7 - 8, 2018 at the James L Kight Center Miami
- Disney in Concert: The Nightmare Before Christmas with the South Florida Symphony Orchestra - December 13, 2018 at the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
- Cirque Du Soleil Crystal - A Breaktrhough Ice Experience - December 13 - 16, 2018 at AmericanAirlines Arena
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra 20th Anniversary "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve" 2018 Tour - December 14, 2018 at BB&T Center
- Miami City Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker - December 7 - 24, 2018 at the Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center and the Au Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
- White Christmas - December 25 - 30, 2018 at the Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center
- Cirque Dream Holidaze - The Family Holiday Spectacular - December 28, 2018
- Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker - December 29, 2018 at the Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater Miami Beach
- My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm Home For The Holidays - December 29 - 30, 2018 at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
- Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert - December 31, 2018 at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, Pompano Beach
Christmas Services
- Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and Services - Midnight Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Living Nativity at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church - December 14 and 15, 2018
And check out this year's New Year's Eve Holiday events in Miami.
Christmas Festivals, Fairs, Parades, Tree Lightings...
Santa's Echanted Forest
The largest Christmas-Themed Amusement Park and Carnival is back on its 26th year with its 3 million lights, 92" christmas tree, and the carnival rides for little ones and those wanting a little more extreme.
Located in the heart of Miami in Tropical Park, you will no doubt see the lights from the highway as you drive past.
It is a huge sprawling lively event, just coming to see the lights is worth the trip. Tons of entertainment for kids and families round it all up. There are the many live shows, games, magic acts, mazes, all sorts of rides, from carrousels to roller coasters and drop towers and of course, the carnival food!
When? November 1, 2018 to January 6, 2019 - 5:00pm to Midnight
Where? Tropical Park, on the Palmetto (SR826) and Bird Road (40th Street) 7900 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33155
How Much? Adults (10-64) $33.64, Children (3-9) $24.30, Seniors (65+) $24.30 Season and express passes available.
More Info: Santa's Enchanted Forest
Christmas Tree Lighting at Bayfront Park
The official kick off to the holiday season in downtown Miami takes place the day after Thanksgiving as Bayfront Park unveils its 50-foot tree covered with glittering lights.
The countdown to the tree lighting is accompanied by cheery holiday music, so come and take a break from the shopping and enjoy the spirit of the holidays.
When? Friday, November 24, 2017, tree lighting at 7:00 pm
Where? Bayfront Park 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132
Where to Park?: There is limited, paid parking at Bayfront Park. You can also park at Bayside Marketplace nextdoor or
take the Metrorail to the Government Center Station then transfer to the Metromover Inner Loop to Bayfront Park.
How Much? FREE!
More info, Directions and Parking: www.bayfrontparkmiami.com
Pembroke Pines Snowfest and Christmas Tree Lighting
Walking in a Winter Wonderland!!! 75 tons of snow, a visit with Santa, reindeer games, rides, arts and crafts, strolling holiday characters, musical performances and of course Santa's Workshop and Toy Land.
And don't miss the 30-ft Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 pm at the Plaza.
When? Saturday December 1, 2018 - 4:00 to 8:00 pm
Where? Charles F. Dodge City Center at 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines
How Much? Tickets required for snow area only $5, children under 2 free, accompanying adults do not require tickets. You can get tickets in advance for $4 at several Pembroke Pines locations. See below for more info.
More info: www.ppines.com or call 954-392-2116
Ft. Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade
Sailboats, Yachts, Barges, Gondolas, Kayaks... ANYTHING that floats, all decked up with thousands of lights and a merry spirit, traversing the waters of the intracoastal, what could be more fun this holiday season?!
On its 47th year, the Winterfest Boat Parade has become one of the most awaited events, this year the Ft. Lauderdale shoreline will be coming alive once again.
Some fantastic entries and surprises in the past have included a floating bus, the Galleria Mall reindeer barge, a fire truck, Mickey and Minnie... can't wait for this year's parade!
When?: Saturday December 15, 2018
Where?: Intracoastal Waterway from Ft. Lauderdale to Pompano Beach
How Much?: Free along parade route, Grandstand viewing areas available.
More info: Winterfest Boat Parade
Magical Snowfall at Dolphin Mall
Miami's winter wonderland is back this year. To help bring on the magical flurry, Dolphin Mall will be giving away enchanted wands to children under the age of 12 (while supplies last). At the start of each nightly snowfall, young magicians are encouraged to wave their wands around to unleash the blizzard and create the glistening winter wonderland.
In addition, while you're at the mall, you can visit Santa and become a flight crew at Santa's Flight Academy.
When? November 21, 2018 to January 6, 2019 at 7:00 pm, additional snowfall at 9:00 pm Thursdays through Sundays. No blizzard on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Where? The Ramblas Plaza at Dolphin Mall
How Much? FREE! Wands will be distributed to participating families 30 minutes prior to start of each nightly snowfall, first come first served.
More info: www.shopdolphinmall.com
NightGarden a Magical Light Spectacular
This Winter, Fairchild transforms into The NightGarden: an enchanted, illuminated experience full of fantasy and wonderment where things like the Wise Talking Tree, Flying Fairies and a Sunflower Maze come to life.
Come experience this inaugural year event and marvel at unbelievable live effects such as holographic butterflies and floating orchids throughout multiple acres of dazzling magic.
When? November 23, 2018 to January 6, 2019
Where? Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156
How Much? General Admission $28, Children 10 and under $20, plus service fees. You can get discount tickets at Goldstar, $28 $20, you must be a Goldstar member but membership is FREE! Just sign up it's worth the savings!
More info: www.fairchildgarden.org
Miami Lantern Light Festival
A spectacular evening of dazzling lights, colors, shapes, and themes.
The Lantern Light festival is a six week celebration of Chinese culture featuring massive lanterns, inspiring performances, and incredible cuisine.
Each Chinese lantern is custom-built by Chinese artisans and typically takes four weeks and a team of seven to complete.
The lanterns are handmade from hundreds of pieces of silky cloth. Some are over 30 feet high and others are up to 300 feet long.
When? November 30, 2018 to January 20, 2019 - Thursdays through Sundays 5:00 - 10:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays open until 11:00 pm
Where? Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds at 10901 SW 24th Street,Miami, FL 33165
How Much? Adults $23, Children (3-12) $18, Seniors and Active Military $20, Children activity packages and group packages available.
More Info, tickets: www.lanternlightfestival.com
New World Symphony Wallcast Free Outdoor Concert: Sounds of the Season
What?: The New World Symphony presents a festive program celebrating the holiday season, offering audience members an opportunity to gather and share music with friends and family. Enjoy selections from a variety of cultural heritages, certain to delight audiences of all ages. This Saturday performance is presented by the City of Miami Beach for its residents.
As with all WALLCAST® concerts, it will be projected on the 7,000 square-foot screen. Bring a picnic, blankets, beach chairs, cocktails... yes, there are restrooms available at the south-east corner of SoundScape Park.
When?: Saturday December 15, 2018 - 7:30 pm, try to arrive early to grab a good spot
Where?: SoundScape Park at 500 17th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139
How Much?:WALLCAST® concerts are free. No tickets required.
More Info Here: www.nws.edu/events
Miami Outboard Club's Annual Holiday Boat Parade
What?: Over 50 boats all decked up in holiday gear and parading in the waters of Biscayne Bay...
Food Vendors, Bounce House, DJ at Bayfront Park, the official viewing site
Fireworks Show!
When?: Saturday December 15, 2018 - 7:00 pm, Fireworks at 9:00 pm
Where?: Official viewing site is Bayfront Park
Parade Route: The parade will begin at the Miami Outboard Club continuing along Government Cut towards Downtown Miami, passing the Miami Children Museum, Bayside and Bayfront Park. The parade route will turn around at Brickell Key, once again passing Bayfront Park, Bayside, and then American Airlines Arena.
How Much?: FREE. The Club will be collecting new unwrapped toys to be donated to the children of the City Of Miami, donations can be made at The Miami Outboard Club and various sponsor retail locations.
More Info Here: www.mocholidayboatparade.com
Gingerbread House Workshop
What?: Parent and child pairs work together to design and decorate their very own Gingerbread House.
Enjoy the endless decorating options, from frosted candy roofs to pretzel picket fences, and cheerful holiday tunes while sipping hot chocolate and experiencing quality family time.
When?: Two options: Saturday December 15, 2018 - 9:30 am - 10:30 am (ages 2-8 this class is with parent) and Sunday December 23, 2018 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am (ages 9+ this class is drop off)
Where?: Taste Buds Kitchen at 14740 Southwest 26th Street Ste 207, Miami FL 33185
How Much?: $40 per child
More Info and Registration: www.tastebudskitchen.com
Christmas With The Chimps At Lion Country Safari
What?: Santa Claus visits the chimpanzees at Lion Country Safari's Chimp Islands, bearing wrapped gifts for the chimps. This is the only opportunity throughout the entire year that guests can get out of their vehicles (at the chimp islands) to watch the chimps receive presents!
When?: Thursday December 20, 2018 starting at 10:30 am (arrive by 9:30am to allow time to get through the preserve)
Where?: Lion Country Safari
How Much?: Adult $35, Senior $31.50, Child (3-9) $26, Parking $8
More Info www.lioncountrysafari.com
Santa On The Beach at Ft. Lauderdale Beach
Yes it's Christmas in the sand! Don't miss this year's Santa's traditional candy giveaway along Fort Lauderdale Beach!
With twinkling eyes and smiling faces, Santa and his elves will begin spreading holiday cheer along Fort Lauderdale Beach Park distributing candy canes with glee.
When?: December TBA, 2018 - Motorcade with Santa begins at noon and expected to arrive at Ft. Lauderdale Beach at 12:45 p.m.
Where?: 600 Seabreeze Boulevard (Promenade just north of Ft. Lauderdale Beach Park)
Parade Route: The motorcade will begin at the Ft. Lauderdale Police Headquarters and proceed towards the Fort Lauderdale Beach Hub at Las Olas and A1A.
How Much?: FREE!
More Info Here: Santa On The Beach
Zoo Lights and Holiday Gifts For The Animals at Zoo Miami
It's that magical time of the year as the park transforms into a fabulous array of shimmering trees and dazzling (animal-shaped of course) lights that adorn every corner of this fantastic animal kingdom.
And during the day, the best part is watching all our fluffy fellows open their Christmas presents...
What else? Carousel rides, photo with Santa, cookies and hot cocoa... (additional fees)
When?: Gifts with the Animals: check for the daily schedule
Zoo Lights Every Friday and Saturday from November 23 to December 29,2018 - 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where?: Zoo Miami at 1 Zoo Boulevard, 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177
How Much?: Gifts for the Animals is Free with Zoo Admission. Check Zoo Miami website for schedule.
Zoo Lights: $9.95 plus tax
More Info Here: www.zoomiami.org
Winterland at the Farm
With this 60-degree weather, what better way to warm up and get ready into the holiday spirit with family and friends than with some Snow, Holiday Treats, Hot chocolate and much more while you can meet Santa Claus, Nix the Snowman and Sprinkle the Gingerbread Cookie at a beautiful illuminated Forest.
Holiday treats, hay rides, face painting, paddleboat rides, Santa, pony rides, and many more activities for kids!
When?: December 16 to January 7, 2019
Where?: Pinto Farm at 14890 SW 216 Street, Miami, FL 33170
How Much?: Winterland Unlimited $19 includes paddle boat rides, hay rides, pony rides, race track, petting zoo
More info: www.pintofarm.com
This Year's Holiday Entertainment Calendar, Concerts and Musicals
Santa's Enchanted Workshop On Stage
For Stanley, Christmas has lost some of its magic. Stanley, along with his sister SuSu, sets out to find out about Christmas for himself by traveling to the North Pole. Trapped in a blizzard, they wind up in a dilapidated gas station run by a mysterious old man named Nick who shows them the wonders of imagination and helps to bring his rundown gas station to life as a magic toyshop. One of the silliest villains you'll ever see, Mr. Gasket J. Wasket shows up and tries to spoil the day.
In the end, Stanley finds a renewed Christmas spirit and the real meaning of the holiday...
When? Tuesday December 4, 2018 - 10:00 am
Where? Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much?
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The Wizard of Oz
When? Friday and Saturday December 7 and 8, 2018
Where? James L. Knight Center at 400 SE 2nd Avenue Miami
How Much? $39+
Disney in Concert: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas with the South Florida Symphony Orchestra
The haunting holiday classic... The Nightmare Before Christmas with score by Danny Elfman performed live by South Florida Symphony Orchestra.
When Jack Skellington, Halloweentown's pumpkin king, accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry...
When? Thursday December 13, 2018 - 8:00 pm
Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much?
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Cirque du Soleil Crystal - A Breaktrough Ice Experience
When? December 13 - 16, 2018
Where? AmericanAirlines Arena
How Much? $60+ Check out Groupon Offers 20%+ off
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Cirque Dreams Holidaze - The Family Holiday Spectacular
A multi-million dollar stage production with soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats, ellaborate illusions, holiday music... it's a Broadway musical, cirque spectacle and family show all in one!
A 2-hour theatrical adventure BroadwayWorld proclaims "The Perfect Holiday Gift... a show that everyone will enjoy... colorful, festive, imaginative, inventive, and thoroughly entertaining."
When? December 28, 2018 - 7:30 pm
Where? James L. Knight Center - Miami, FL
How Much? $55 - $109
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra 20th Anniversary "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve" 2018 Tour
Presented by the Hallmark Channel, the Rock Holiday tradition on its 20th year comes once again to BB&T Center.
This dazzling multimedia production brings us our favorite holiday classics... O Come All Ye Faithful, Christmas Cannon, O Holy Night... like you've never heard them before combining enthralling music and delightful story-telling, a holiday classic!
When? Friday December 14, 2018 - 8:00 pm
Where? BB&T Center, Sunrise
How Much?
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Miami City Ballet's The Nutcracker
The holiday tradition you love will become even more magical...
A vibrant and animated winter wonderland comes to life, featuring appearances by The Sugarplum Fairy, toy soldiers, and mischievous mice, all while retaining George Balanchine's iconic choreography and Tchaikovsky's timeless score.
Two South Florida locations:
When? Friday to Sunday December 7 - 9, 2018
Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much? You can get discount tickets for The Nutcracker at Goldstar, $45-$125 $35 - $75, you must be a Goldstar member but membership is FREE! Just sign up it's worth the savings!
When? December 15 - 24, 2018
Where? Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami
How Much?
You can get discount tickets for The Nutcracker at Goldstar, $50-$99 $38 - $75, you must be a Goldstar member but membership is FREE! Just sign up it's worth the savings!
White Christmas
Irving Berlin's White Christmas tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, and finding their perfect mates in the bargain.
Full of dancing, romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," "Happy Holiday," "Sisters," "Blue Skies," and the unforgettable title song, Irving Berlin's White Christmas promises to be a merry and bright experience for the entire family!
When? December 25 - 30, 2018
Where? Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami
How Much?
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Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker
One of the world's most magical adaptations of Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker pirouettes its way into The Fillmore Miami Beach with close to 40 renowned dancers that bring to life the timeless story of young Masha (Clara), who receives the gift of a nutcracker one Christmas Eve and dreams that night of a grand adventure with her Nutcracker Prince.
Filled with larger-than-life puppets and nesting dolls, handmade Victorian-style costumes, gasp-inducing special effects and sets created by La La Land designer Carl Sprague, this perennial favorite is sure to cast its seasonal spell over the whole family.
When? Saturday December 29, 2018 - 3:00 pm
Where? The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater
How Much? $50+
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Limited time and selling fast! Great Russian Nutcracker Tickets at Groupon - Best Seats Orchestra or Mezzanine $125.50 $39
My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm Home For The Holidays
Join Steve as he shares more wild and hilarious stories and characterizations about his family, friends and the other folks we meet whose sole purpose was to drive him into therapy in the first place.
We all get to attend holiday dinner at Grandma's where, if you're under 55, you're allowed to sit at the children's table, and thirty-five over-fed people jostle for the one toilet!
When? Saturday and Sunday December 29 - 30, 2018
Where? Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
How Much? $45+
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Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert
Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert recreates the beauty of Vienna's golden era and this year's concert will feature a brilliant new program of Strauss waltzes and sweeping melodies from beloved operettas performed by acclaimed European singers, champion ballroom dancers, ballet, and live symphony orchestra.
The first effortless notes of the eternal Blue Danube Waltz will welcome you into a triumphant 2019!
Two South Florida performances:
When? Sunday December 30, 2018 - 8:00 pm
Where? Adrienne Arsht Center Miami
How Much? $45+
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When? Monday December 31, 2018 - 7:00 pm
Where? Coral Springs Center For The Arts at 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs, Florida 33065
How Much? $57+
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Christmas Services
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and Christmas Day Services
Bright poinsettias, twinkling lights, wonderful nativity scenes, children caroling and the fragrance of firs and incense filling the church, the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass has been a beautiful tradition for as long as I can remember. All our places of worship and the communities go out of their way to welcome and share in the spirit and purpose of the Christmas celebrations.
Here are some places you can attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in Miami
- Saint Patrick Catholic Church - 3716 Garden Avenue, Miami Beach 33140
Phone (305) 531-1124
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass: Multi-Lingual
Christmas Day:
English: 8:00 am, 9:30am, 11:00am
Spanish: 12:30pm, 7:00pm
More Info - Church of the Little Flower 2711 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables 33134
Phone (305) 446-9950
Chritmas Eve Cantata: 11:30 pm
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass: Bi-Lingual
Christmas Day:
English: 9:00am, 10:30am, 5:30pm
Spanish: 12:30pm
More Info
The Annual Living Nativity at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church
Let's herald the Christmas season with a live, open-air reenactment of the Christmas Story.
Featuring live camels, donkeys, goats and sheep, along with an innovative mix of digital and live-action characters, including Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the prophets, angels, the Wise Men and more!
This spectacular depiction, complete with narration, digital projections and a choir, is fun for the entire family!
When? December 14 and 15, 2018 - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where? Miami Shores Presbyterian Church, 602 NE 96th Street, Miami Shores, FL 33138
How Much? FREE and open to the public. Volunteers for set up and spot participants: angels, shepherds, villagers, etc. welcome!
More Info: Miami Shores Presbyterian Church or call (305) 754-9541
This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Memories!
Coming Up: Hot Tickets Now On Sale
More Christmas Cheer...
- Miami Eater's Guide to Where to Eat on Christmas Eve in Miami
- The W Brickell Rooftop to Wynwood Yard: The Top Ten Holiday Parties in Miami 2017
- Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Miami Beach
- 8 Places in South Florida to See Holiday Light Displays
We want to
thank you for your support and
wish you a safe and Merry Christmas to you and your family...
wish you a safe and Merry Christmas to you and your family...
Happy travels and all the best in the coming year!
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